Latest news with #ManuelaPerteghella
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MP says farmers 'feel betrayed' by government
Farmers feel "betrayed" by the government over its planned changes to inheritance tax, an MP has said. From April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, would be subject to inheritance tax at 20%. The government previously said it was a "fair and balanced" approach that would help to fix public services and only affect about 500 estates a year. But Stratford-on-Avon MP Manuela Perteghella told BBC Politics Midlands smaller farms could be forced to sell off productive land. "Hundreds of farms are going to be affected by these changes. Frankly, they feel betrayed by the government. They are going to have to sell their land," she said. Ms Perteghella said the value of farmers' land did not equal their earnings and that many did not earn much more than the minimum wage. "These are small family farms, and these changes will do nothing to discourage wealthy individuals who land bank for tax purposes," the Liberal Democrat MP added. A number of protests have been held since the policy was announced in October's budget, including when hundreds of tractors blocked Westminster last Monday. Eddie Hughes, former Conservative MP for Walsall North, said farmers were not prepared for "this dreadfully pernicious tax", adding that there should have been more consultation. "They [the government] categorically said in the run-up to the election this would not happen. It was said multiple times by all members of the cabinet, so it seems crazy we're in this position," he added. Representatives of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) are due to meet with Treasury ministers on Tuesday. Adam Jogee, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said he had spoken to farmers in his constituency and that it was important ministers listened to the "strength of feeling". "I want to see our farming industry supported. I want them to feel they are part of how we move our country forward," he said. But Mr Jogee said it was important to tackle the issue of wealthy individuals buying up farmland "because it suits them financially". "This has to be a conversation that delivers real results for people sitting at the table," he added. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Farmer confronts minister over inheritance tax Farmers protest tax changes with tractor convoys Inheritance tax makes farmer want early death - MP Farmers drive tractor convoy in tax protest National Farmers' Union
BBC News
16-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Stratford-on-Avon MP says farmers 'feel betrayed' by government
Farmers feel "betrayed" by the government over its planned changes to inheritance tax, an MP has April 2026, agricultural assets worth more than £1m, which were previously exempt, would be subject to inheritance tax at 20%.The government previously said it was a "fair and balanced" approach that would help to fix public services and only affect about 500 estates a Stratford-on-Avon MP Manuela Perteghella told BBC Politics Midlands smaller farms could be forced to sell off productive land. "Hundreds of farms are going to be affected by these changes. Frankly, they feel betrayed by the government. They are going to have to sell their land," she Perteghella said the value of farmers' land did not equal their earnings and that many did not earn much more than the minimum wage."These are small family farms, and these changes will do nothing to discourage wealthy individuals who land bank for tax purposes," the Liberal Democrat MP added. A number of protests have been held since the policy was announced in October's budget, including when hundreds of tractors blocked Westminster last Hughes, former Conservative MP for Walsall North, said farmers were not prepared for "this dreadfully pernicious tax", adding that there should have been more consultation."They [the government] categorically said in the run-up to the election this would not happen. It was said multiple times by all members of the cabinet, so it seems crazy we're in this position," he added. Representatives of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) are due to meet with Treasury ministers on Jogee, Labour MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said he had spoken to farmers in his constituency and that it was important ministers listened to the "strength of feeling"."I want to see our farming industry supported. I want them to feel they are part of how we move our country forward," he Mr Jogee said it was important to tackle the issue of wealthy individuals buying up farmland "because it suits them financially"."This has to be a conversation that delivers real results for people sitting at the table," he added. Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Business
- The Independent
MP proposes cap on political donations amid fears of ‘bidding war for influence'
Foreign billionaires like Elon Musk should face a block on political donations, an MP has said, amid fears British elections have become a 'bidding war for influence'. Manuela Perteghella proposed the Political Donations Bill on Wednesday, which would limit how much donors both in the UK and abroad can give to political parties. It would also set new rules around donations from companies owned by foreign individuals, including in cases where 'oligarchs and foreign billionaires' funnel their money through a UK-based company to evade the existing restrictions. This is a Bill that will take big money out of British politics, protect our democracy from foreign interference, and restore public trust in our electoral system Manuela Perteghella The Liberal Democrat MP warned that without rules to cap or block donations, ministers and the elections watchdog are 'powerless' to stop rich individuals from influencing UK elections. Ms Perteghella told the Commons: 'This is a Bill that will take big money out of British politics, protect our democracy from foreign interference, and restore public trust in our electoral system. 'For too long, our politics have been exposed. 'It is far too easy for those who do not have the national interest of our country at heart, who have made their wealth through illicit means, to funnel money into British politics. 'This Bill is simple in its aims, to ensure that it is the people of this country – not the deep pockets of foreign billionaires, oligarchs or corporate interests – who decide our country's future in elections and referendums.' The MP for Stratford-on-Avon warned that 'trust in our political system is faltering' and described a 'bidding war for influence ripe for exploitation by oligarchs and foreign billionaires'. Political parties can only accept money or gifts from individuals if they are registered in a UK electoral register. But foreign-owned companies which are registered and incorporated in the country can make donations. Mr Musk, who leads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) set up by US President Donald Trump and owns the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, was reportedly in talks with Nigel Farage about making a donation to Reform UK, which has five MPs. Ms Perteghella said: 'Just over a month ago, people across Britain recoiled in horror to read the news that US billionaire Elon Musk planned to donate an uncapped amount of money to Reform. 'If he were to follow through on this plan, we would be powerless to stop him.' She later added: 'This isn't just about fairness, it's about national security.' The proposed new law will be listed for a debate on May 16.
